Insider identifies Laurent Brossoit as frontrunner to replace Ilya Samsonov

Maple Leafs reporter James Mirtle has identified Winnipeg Jets backup Laurent Brossoit as the current frontrunner to replace Ilya Samsonov in Toronto.

The Maple Leafs have hitched their wagon to Samsonov for two years running, first opting for a Matt Murray/Ilya Samsonv tandem in 2022-23, before rolling with an Ilya Samsonov/Joseph Woll tandem this past season, with mixed results.

Samsonov had proven himself to be a very capable goalie in 2022-23, posting a 27-10-5 record, with a 2.33 GAA and a .919 SV%, helping the Leafs to secure their first playoff series win in nearly 20 years. However, a lacklustre 2023-24 campaign left a lot to be desired.

In 40 appearances for the Leafs this past season, Samsonov amassed a 23-7-8 record, which looks great on paper. But, when you dig a little deeper, his 3.13 GAA and .890 SV% certainly left a lot to be desired.

Laurent Brossoit, on the other hand, put up an astonishing 15-5-2 record with Winnipeg this past season, posting a sparkling 2.00 GAA and .927 SV%, playing behind Connor Hellebuyck - a sign that the 31-year-old is perhaps ready for a larger role with a new NHL team next season.

Brossoit is expected to test free agency on July 1st and with the Leafs' number one need likely being a more stable goaltender than the erratic and unpredictable Ilya Samsonov, Brossoit may very well fit the bill.

There's still a large contingent of fans who would like to see the Leafs go out and swing big this summer, nabbing a true #1 netminder on the trade market, but if they can't get their hands on one, Brossoit would certainly be a nice "Plan B" option.

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